How to Reverse Park into a Garage?
3 Answers
Methods for reversing into a garage: 1. Park the car in front of the left side of the parking space, maintaining a distance of about 1 meter; 2. Turn the steering wheel fully to the left and reverse, observing the rear wheel and parking space line in the left rearview mirror; 3. When the distance between the rear wheel in the mirror and the parking space line is about the length of a foot, quickly straighten the steering wheel; 4. While reversing, compare the reference objects on both sides, and stop when the driver's seat is roughly level with the cars on both sides, completing the reverse parking. Reverse parking is a key assessment point in driver's tests, which involves correctly maneuvering the vehicle into the garage from both sides while moving. There are three common types of reverse parking: the first is the "non"-shaped reverse parking, commonly seen in large supermarkets; the second is the roadside "one"-shaped reverse parking, also known as parallel parking; the third is the less common diagonal reverse parking.
I remember feeling quite nervous when I first started reversing into a parking space, as I was afraid of hitting the wall or obstacles. First, I would park the car in front of the garage, aligning the center of the car with the midpoint of the door, keeping the car as straight as possible. Then, I would slowly reverse while closely monitoring both side mirrors to ensure even spacing—if the left side was too close, I’d adjust the steering to the right. The speed had to be kept extremely slow, equivalent to walking pace. If the garage was dimly lit or the space was tight, I’d turn on the reverse lights or use the rearview camera for assistance. If I was still unsure, I’d stop, get out, and check the distance to the wall. After practicing a few times, I realized that getting a feel for it was crucial, and now I can operate more confidently. However, safety always comes first—no rushing or panicking, and after each reverse, I check if there’s enough space for the doors to open. Beginners are advised to practice in an open area before attempting real scenarios to progress faster. In short, caution and practice make everything smoother.
I'm quite familiar with parallel parking, treating it like a game that I can handle with ease. Typically, I drive close to the garage door, positioning the car neither too far nor too close, ensuring the body is straight. After shifting into reverse, I slowly back up a bit while scanning the side mirrors to check if the distances on both sides are symmetrical; slight adjustments to the steering wheel can align the car perfectly. Speed and feel are key—I always maintain a slow pace to avoid any impulsive moves. Sometimes, I use the rearview camera to enhance visibility, but I mainly rely on the mirrors for judgment. Once parked, I habitually step out to confirm that the bumper has enough clearance from the wall for opening doors. I also make sure to keep the garage floor clear of obstacles for smoother operation and turn on the headlights if the lighting is insufficient. With enough practice, finding the rhythm comes naturally, but I always remind myself never to overlook safe driving.
